GLOSSARY

Testosterone and Cortisol Interactions
Testosterone and cortisol participate in interacting but distinct regulatory systems.

Production, transport and local action

Androgen action depends on central gonadotropin drive, gonadal production, binding proteins and tissue-specific metabolism. Conversion to DHT or estradiol changes the local signal. Receptor expression and cofactors determine how exposure becomes a response in each organ.

Interpreting the mechanism

Their ratio inherits variation and analytical limitations from both measurements and is not a standalone training-readiness test.

Interpreting androgen status

Symptoms, repeated appropriately timed measurements and relevant LH, FSH and SHBG results help distinguish endocrine patterns. A transient exercise-associated change does not predict hypertrophy. Exogenous androgen exposure can suppress endogenous regulation and fertility despite high circulating concentrations.